Bombardier's delayed CSeries still not clear for take-off

More time is needed before the new Bombardier CSeries jet – the wings of which were invented, designed and are being built at the company's facility in Belfast – can take to the air, the firm has said.

More time is needed before the new Bombardier CSeries jet – the wings of which were invented, designed and are being built at the company's facility in Belfast – can take to the air, the firm has said.

Initially expected to take off in June, the CSeries first flight test vehicle will now take to the skies in the coming weeks.

Bombardier has said that while the aircraft's geared turbofan engines are running smoothly and powering key aircraft systems, more time is needed to "validate the overall systems and ongoing software integration".

It also confirmed that the latest software upgrades on the aircraft continue to be successfully completed.

Mike Arcamone, president of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, said that seeing the first CSeries aircraft power up on the tarmac was a thrilling event.

"We have now entered the ultimate phase of systems integration and validation on the first flight test vehicle as we submit brand new technology to in-depth tests," he said.

"While the process has taken more time than we had expected, we are pleased with the results and are very comfortable taking more time to ensure the required integration is finalised and the CSeries aircraft is cleared for its first flight."

Bombardier has booked orders and commitments for 388 CSeries aircraft, which include firm orders for 177 CSeries airliners.

Launched in 2008, the 'resin transfer' wings of the CSeries are being made in a specially built facility on Queen's Island.